As the world’s largest arts festival continues to strut its stuff in the capital, you might be forgiven for thinking that there was nothing much else going on in the rest of Scotland.

You would be mistaken.

In North Berwick, Fringe by the Sea is taking place for the ninth year. Underway already, it runs until Sunday with a packed programme of author talks, comedy, music, drama and kids’ shows.

For our purposes, we are most interested in the Fabulous Food Festival which is running as a sort of festival within the festival.

Bee Inspired

From aromatherapy chocolate demos to healthy food shows with Tickles the Clown, it aims to have something for everyone.

Our interest was most piqued by the foraging talk on Friday and Saturday’s Bee Inspired – a talk from Brian Poole, Colstoun Estate’s Beekeeper and Beekeeper in Residence at The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.

A third generation, professional beekeeper with over 40 years of experience, Brian will be talking about the life and management of a beehive.

Arbroath Sea Fest

Heading further north, up the eastern coast of Scotland, Arbroath Sea Fest also runs this weekend.

Established in 1997, Sea Fest is a popular celebration of Arbroath’s maritime heritage, attracting over 30,000 visitors over two days.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the Arbroath Smokie – haddock smoked over hardwood – but past years have also seen vendors offering trout specialities, suckling pig, venison and ostrich meat, all available from the Smokie Trail – 70-odd stalls along the harbour.

For the 5pm Dining blog, the Smokie Trail undoubtedly appeals among the live bands and cookery demos but we also like the sound of the pie eating competition which takes place on the Beacon Green Stage and Arena on Sunday at 1.15pm.

Jamie Scott, winner of MasterChef: The Professionals, will be on hand to judge the baking competition, also on Sunday afternoon.